Selectboard Present:  ​Peggy Pschirrer (Chair); Cheryl Mayberry; Steven Dalessio

CALL TO ORDER:  Mrs. Pschirrer, Chair of the Walpole Selectboard, called this meeting via Zoom to order at 6:30 PM.  She announced that Ms. Cheryl Mayberry and Mr. Steven Dalessio, the other two Selectboard members are also present. The Selectboard members are in three separate locations.  Also attending this meeting is Mrs. Sarah Downing, Manager of Administration, in the Walpole Town Hall and Mrs. Regina Borden, Recording Secretary, by telephone at a separate location.  This meeting is being recorded. 

Public comments are to be emailed to Mrs. Downing at the Walpole Town Hall or by calling 03-756-3672.  She will display the Agenda.  That will be followed by documents as they are being discussed.

Mrs. Pschirrer called for a voice roll call of the Selectboardpresent:  Cheryl Mayberry was present; Steven Dalessio was present and Peggy Pschirrer was present.  This meeting will be in accordance with Virtual Meetings, Emergency Order #12, which has been effective since March 2020.

WARRANT ARTICLE ASSIGNMENTS and TOWN MEETING ROOM SCHEMATIC:  Mr. Jack Wozmak, Town Moderator, was present to talk about the upcoming Town Election and Town Meeting.  They plan to set the meeting room up exactly as before for elections on Tuesday, March 9^th.  There will be one-way-in and one-way-out with the ramp and railings as people exit onto Elm Street.  If needed, handicapped assistance will be available. He does not anticipate anything will be different.  

Town Meeting will be on Saturday, March 13^th at 1:00 PM at the Walpole Elementary School Gymnasium.  They will not use the stage.  Everybody will be at the floor level.  Chairs will be placed at socially distanced spaces.  There will be three-or-four head tables and chairs set up for speakers.  The meeting will start with the Pledge of Allegiance. That will be followed by swearing-in the Town Officials and moving on to the Warrant Articles.  He would like to move the meeting along as is appropriate to do so but will give everyone the opportunity to speak.  This will be his first Town Meeting. He has talked with Mr. Ernie Vose, former Town Moderator.  Mr. Dalessio asked if they will be using the gym entrance as it will be the best entrance to use.  Ms. Mayberry felt this was the plan.  Mr. Wozmak hopes to do a walk around the school tomorrow afternoon with someone from the school staff.  Mrs. Pschirrer recommended he contact Mr. Justin Cassarino.  Ms. Mayberry suggested he make an announcement at the beginning of the Town Meeting that speakers will have a limited period of time to speak on the same issue.  Mr. Wozmak agreed; suggested time is three minutes.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked who would be reading the Warrant Articles. Mr. Wozmak plans to read the Articles, then ask for a motion and second.  Mrs. Pschirrer noted the Selectboard divides up the Warrant Articles and speaks about them quite often with the department managers.  The Selectboard will give Mr. Wozmak a list.

Mrs. Pschirrer saw a notice that Mr. Wozmak was planning to meet with election workers on Monday, March 8^th at 6:00 PM at Town Hall.  Mr. Wozmak said that was correct; he plans to walk them through the procedures.  He will be happy to have the assistance of the Selectboard during the elections on Tuesday, March 9^th.      

Mr. Bob Breslend will be getting things set up in North Walpole for the elections.  Mr. Ernie Vose will be at this location on Tuesday, March 9^th.  Ms. Mayberry also plans to be in North Walpole during elections.               

PUBLIC BUSINESS:

Mrs. Pschirrer acknowledged there are people attending this meeting and asked if anyone would like to speak.  If no one raises their hand she will assume they are here to listen and observe.  Mr. Shane O’Keefe wanted to speak on Whipple Hill Road when that agenda item is brought up.  Mrs. Pschirrer reported that at this point there will be no discussion about Whipple Hill Road.  They are under advice of Town Counsel not to discuss it at this point.  Mr. White runs an audio visual company and offered to help set up the system for Town Meeting.  Mr. Wozmak understands the school has quite a compliment of audio equipment.  Ms. Mayberry suggested he check with the school personnel as they like to use their own equipment, but he should be sure they have what he needs.  Mr. Wozmak anticipated a microphone for his use and maybe two for attendees to use.  Mrs. Pschirrer thanked Mr. White for his offer.  If other arrangements need to be made, they will contact him.    

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Accounts Payable Check Register in the total amount of $50,499.91 for checks issued March 5, 2021.  This includes a payment of $26,137.15 to the New Hampshire Retirement System.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.  On a voice roll call vote with Mr.  Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

PAYROLL:

Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Payroll Check Register for the week ending February 27, 2021, in the amount of $34,763.26 for checks dated March 5, 2021, and for the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $7,130.97.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.  On a voice roll call vote with Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MINUTES – February 25, 2021:  Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of February 25, 2021, as submitted.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.  On a voice roll call vote with Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the Minutes were approved.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION 1 MINUTES – February 25, 2021:  Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session 1 of February 25, 2021, as submitted.  These Minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.  On a voice roll call vote with Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the Minutes were approved.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION II MINUTES – February 25, 2021:  Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session II of February 25, 2021, as submitted.  These Minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.  On a voice roll call vote with Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the Minutes were approved.      

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of the following Committee reports:• North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners Meeting – February 23, 2021.

PROPERTY TAX INTEREST FORGIVENESS:

MAP and LOT #008-022-000:  Mr. Dalessio moved to grant the Property Tax Interest Forgiveness in the amount of $9.33 for the owner(s) of Map and Lot #008-022-000.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.  On a voice roll call vote with Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

VETERANS’ TAX CREDIT:

MAP and LOT #012-055-016:  Mr. Dalessio moved to grant the Veterans’ Tax Credit for the owner(s) of Map and Lot #012-055-016 for an updated application due to a name change, i.e. Revocable Trust.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  Mrs. Pschirrerasked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.  On a voice roll call vote with Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved. 

SOLAR ENERGY EXEMPTIONS:

MAP and LOT #008-117-000 and MAP and LOT #009-058-000:  Mr. Dalessio moved to grant Solar Energy Exemptions to the owner(s) of the following properties:• MAP and LOT #008-117-000;• MAP and LOT #009-058-000.

Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.  On a voice roll call vote with Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS:

Class VI Portion of Whipple Hill Road and Snowmobiles: Mrs. Pschirrer advised that, as previously mentioned, our attorney had advised us there should be no more discussion on Whipple Hill Road.  Therefore, there will be no more discussion of Whipple Hill Road and Snowmobiles.  

Mr. O’Keefe asked if there could be discussion not related to snowmobiles.  Mrs. Pschirrer replied that if it is not related to what they have been discussing, they will listen to his comments.  Mr. O’Keefe said there is a neighbor who is plowing snow there so it prevents people from using the right-of-way.  He tried to turn around there today but was unable to do so.  This is of concern to him, since he wished to have have access to the road.  Mrs. Pschirrer advised they will note this in these meeting minutes but the Selectboard will not comment at this time.  Mr. O’Keefe referenced RSA 231:21-A which addresses the Blockage of Class VI Roads.    

Certificate of Authorization for Houghton Brook Bridge ARM Grant:  Mr. Dalessio moved to authorize the Chair of the Selectboard, Peggy L. Pschirrer, to sign the Certificate of Authorization for the Houghton Brook Bridge ARM Grant.  This document allows us to accept the Grant of $250,000.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.  On a voice roll call vote with Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

A resident asked how long the road would be closed. Mr. Dalessio reported that either a temporary bridge will be put in or they will work with Mr. Graves to use his road.  Mrs. Pschirrer noted residents would not be cut-off.   

Streetlight LED Conversion:  Mrs. Pschirrer advised they have been getting a number of letters and articles about blue lights.  They have read all of them.  Some of these people have not objected to their plans but they want the Selectboard to understand there is a lot of research being done.  There are LED lights in the back parking lot of Burdick Chocolates if anyone would like to see what they look like.  This project in Town will begin in May when all street lights will be converted to LED lights.  The Town will save about $15,000/year.  Mr. Wozmak asked if they would be solar or electric.  Mrs. Pschirrer replied electric.  Mr. O’Keefe asked if the Town will own or rent the lights.  Mr. Dalessio said own them.    

 Replying to a question from Mr. White regarding if the lights would be 3,000 luminaires or 4,000, Mrs. Pschirrer noted they are still in discussion with Liberty Utilities.  Mr. White would go on the record by stating there is no difference in how to perceive things; the complaints for the added blue lights would be valid if they went to the 4,000 temperature lights.  

Warrant Article Assignments: 

Article 1:  This is to elect the necessary Town Officers for their respective terms.  (Voted on by Ballot).

Articles 2 and 3:  Mrs. Pschirrer noted these two articles will be voted on by Ballot on Tuesday, March 9^th.  They deal with the separation of the Town Clerk and the Tax Collector position.      

Article 2:  The Selectboard is asking voters to vote “No”.  This vote would continue the combined office 

of Town Clerk/Tax Collector.

Article 3:  The Selectboard is asking voters to vote “Yes” which means after one year in three years they 

would be appointing a Tax Collector.  This position would then work more closely with the Director of Finance.

Town Meeting Voting:

Article #4:  The Town Budget.  Mrs. Pschirrer will address this article.

Article #5:  Town Hall Repairs.  Mr. Dalessio will address this article.

Article #6:  Highway Department Truck:  Ms. Mayberry will address this article.

Article #7:  Highway Capital Reserve Fund:  Ms. Mayberry will address this article.

Article #8:  Highway Garage Addition.  Ms. Mayberry will address this article.

Article #9:  Recycling Center – Paving.  Mr. Dalessio will address this article.

Article #10: Police Department – New Vehicle.  Mrs. Pschirrer and Lt. Sanctuary will address this article.

Article #11: Police Department – New Vehicle Equipment.  Mrs.  Pschirrer and Lt. Sanctuary will 

address this article.

Article #12: Police Department Capital Reserve Fund:  Mrs. Pschirrer and Lt. Sanctuary will address this 

Article.

Article #13: Pool House Roof:  Ms. Mayberry will address this article.

Article #14: Dog Ordinance.  Mrs. Pschirrer will address this article.

Article #15: Old Drewsville Road:  Petition Article.  Mr. Ray Boas will address this article.

Article #16: Carbon Pricing Legislation.  Petition Article.  Mrs. Tara Sad will address this article.

Article #17: Any Other Business.  Mr. Wozmak asked if the Selectboard anticipate any Other Business.    Mrs. Pschirrer replied this is usually a formality.  In the past after each Warrant Article was adopted there was a motion for non-reconsideration.  Recently they have just been doing that at the end of the meeting.  It is important they have that motion from the floor that nothing be recalled for re-consideration.  Mr. Wozmak felt they could either do it individually or at the end of the group.  He will add this to his notes.         

Pending Further Actions:

North Walpole Library Lease, Tax Deeded Property Sale, Reservoir Dam Repairs, Emergency Generators, Town Employees and COVID-19 Leave:   These agenda items will remain on the list until additional information is received.

Reservoir Dam:  Mr. Dalessio reported we are still in the process with the Department of Environmental Services (DES) of getting the Reservoir Dam officially classified.  It looks like it will be a High Hazard Dam.  After that is done, Fuss & O’Neill will give us some cost options for ways to solve the problem.  It is premature to consider options at this time. 

North Walpole Library Lease:  Mrs. Pschirrer advised the Town Attorney is working on a lease for the North Walpole Library.  Ms. Mayberry met with the North Walpole Commissioners after she attended the Village Budget meeting and they wanted to know if they would be responsible for the electrical outlets or if the cost would be split or paid for by the Library.  Mrs. Pschirrer thought North Walpole would be responsible as it is their building but it could be split.  Ms. Mayberry referenced the letter from Mrs. Amy Howard. Mrs.  Pschirrer said anything else that would be done would not be a fixture.  Ms. Mayberry told the Commissioners she would clarify these issues.  The Commissioners do not want to enter into a long-term lease at this time because they wanted more clarification as to what was going to happen. Mrs. Pschirrer said the Library is planning long-term changes in North Walpole.They plan to stay open longer, have more children’s programs and adult programs. Mrs. Julie Rios will be spending a lot more time in North Walpole. Ms. Mayberry asked if the rug will be replaced.  Mrs. Pschirrer pointed out that they are not going to reconsider carpeting but rather have throw rugs and there will be more desks for computers.             

NEW BUSINESS:

Selectboard Office Computer Purchase Order:  Mrs. Downing would take the new computer and put the older one in the other room to replace the computer that no longer works. The computer in the other room is used by Avitar Associates and the Supervisor of the Checklist has been using it.  In addition, it has been used when Mrs. Pschirrer has a meeting there.  Updates to the tax cards can take many hours.

Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the expenditure of $1,289.65 for the purchase of a new computer for the Selectboard office.  It is a budgeted expense.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.  On a voice roll call vote with Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.          

Cemetery Deed D504:  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Cemetery Deed for the sale of Lot D504.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.  On a voice roll call vote with Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Open Container Permit for Outdoor Dining at Burdick’s Restaurant:  The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of an email from Tom Goins, Managing Partner, for the Restaurant at Burdick’s.  Mrs. Pschirrer explained they are asking if they can have the same outdoor set-up they had last year except this year they propose to have a structure with a solid floor.  They will be able to take this down in the fall when it becomes too cold for outdoor diners.  The footprint will not be larger than the tent was last year.  They will ensure vehicles can freely go past this proposed structure.  Mr. Dalessio said to get Selectboard approval, Burdick’s will have to meet fire codes. The Selectboard will need a letter from the Fire Department stating the structure meets fire codes and will be safe. Mr. Goins has been in contact with Fire Chief Houghton. Mrs. Pschirrer will respond to Mr. Goins.

Village Projects: Mrs. Pschirrer will be talking with Mr. Steve Rickerich tomorrow about the Brownfields Project and about the Elm Street project.  She heard Mr. Houghton plans to begin Elm Street in May.  They may be able to delay the Brownfields Project until July to avoid some of the congestion in the area.  Mr. Dalessio is concerned that last year the outdoor dining area for Spencer’s Restaurant was fine but it will be more complicated this year.  Mrs. Pschirrer advised there will be a public meeting so everyone will know what is going to happen.  A lot of delivery trucks go through there.       

Westminster Street Travel Complaint:  Mrs. Downing reported a North Road resident called because they had to pull over into a parking space on Westminster Street as a big bucket truck was traveling toward their vehicle. With parking on both sides of the street, it did not leave enough room for passing traffic.  There was discussion relative to this not being caused by snow banks but rather that the road is narrow with parking on both sides of the street.  Mrs. Pschirrer had a complaint that they needed to meter those parking spaces or at least put up “Two Hour Parking” signs.  Her response was they could do that but had no one to monitor nor do they have manpower to enforce that. Mrs. Pschirrer will respond to the complaint.

Recording:  Mr. Spivey requested a copy of the recording of this meeting.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION:

Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into a Non-Public SelectboardSession pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (a) Personnel and (c) Reputations.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.  On a voice roll call vote with Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved at 7:26PM.  

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 8:10 PM.

Ms. Mayberry moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of March 4, 2021, will be sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.  On a voice roll call vote with Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.  

ADJOURNMENT:  Ms. Mayberry moved to adjourn this Selectboard meeting.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  On a voice roll call vote with Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, meeting adjourned 8:12 PM.  Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary